Material handling apparatus for machine operations



June 21, 1938. M. J. CLARK MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINEOPERATIONS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1952 8 Sheets-"Sheet l INVENTOR Max JClark v ATTORNEY 7 June 21, 1938. O M. J. CLARK 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Fziled Feb.4, 1952 a sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Mar J CZdr/Y BY M, mm wj- ATTORNEYJune 21, 1938. J CLARK 2,120,966

v MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb.4, 1952 8 sheat s-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Mar J. Clark BY M,

ATTORNEY June 21,1938. M. J. CLARK 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE. OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb.4, 1952 8 Sheets Sheet 4 gm mx 35c Fiy.

INVENTOR Max J. Clark,

BY g I a Q *3 ATTORNEY M. J. CLARK I June 21, 19 38.

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5Original Filed Feb. 4,;1952

v BY 4 M QQM$W ATTORNEYS v June 21,1938. J CLARK I w I 2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb.4, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Max J. CZar/ June 21, 193 M J, LAR2,120,966

MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS FOR MACHINE OPERATIONS Original Filed Feb.4, 1952 a Sheets-Sheet v INVENTQR Mar J. Clark ATTQRNE 5. v

M. J. CLARK j MATERIAL HANDLINGAPPARATUS FO R MACHINE OPERATIONS 8Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed Feb. 4, 1932 WM K , V v N I llllllnlllll.J 4l Q h o M J w k MN R \n? 3 m3 QMQ . NMQY M E m m w m M A PatentedJune 1938 UNITED sTATcS PATENT. OFFICE MATERIAL HANDLING APPARATUS For.

- MACHINE orsaa'rrons i Max J. Clark, Pontiac, Mich.

Application rem-u 4, 1932, seriai No. 590,939;

- Renewed February 1, 1986 p i 30 Claims. 29-33) This invention relatesto a new method and apparatus for automatically handling metallic workpieces,- parts or articles for the purpose of en- "abling a series ofmachine operations to be performed successively on eachpiece or part,the

invention being especially adapted for application in connection withthe machining of metal parts where mass production is conducted,-51,1chas cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, transmission housings, flywheelhousings, etc., in the auto-' mobile industry. I

v An object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus inwhich the work pieces may be conveyed in succession from one} metalworking machine or machine tool to another and the separate work holdershandled in a continuous cycle, in which these work holders may belocated and held at successive stations for machine. oper-.

ations on the work, in which the method of conveying and handling thework and work holders and the improved construction "of the apparatus issuch as to require no substantial. increase in floor space whilepermitting ample 'fleinbility to U meet changes in machiningrequirements particularly in connection with'line production; and v inwhich full automatic handling is possible thus saving labor expense andspeeding up production to a greater degree.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following descriptionand appended claims,

reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of thisspecification. wherein like reference characters designate correspondingparts in the several views; I

Figs. 1 and 2 are plan views which takent'b- 'gether illustrate theentire apparatus which may be utilized for carrying out the presentinvention.

Figs. 3 and 4 are side elevations of the construction shown in Figs. 1and 2,- which taken v together illustrate the complete apparatus.

Fig. 3A is a left hand elevation of the front end of the machine shownin Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an end elevation taken through line 5-5 of Fig.'2 illustratinga. section of the apparatus. I Fig. '6 is an end elevation-"takenthrough line B- -B of Fig. 1 illustrating another section orthe machine.

v Fig. '7 is an end elevation-taken through line |--'I of Fig. 2illustrating another, section -of the machine. 1 w

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view, partly broken away, illustratingthe mechanism for propelling the work holder slides.

'. 5 Fig.'9'is a longitudinaliragmentttry section shown in Fig. 10.

taken through line 9- -9 of. Fig. 8 in the direction 01 the arrows.

Fig. 10 is a detail side view of the abutment members for propellingiihe slides.

Fig. 11 is a detail rear Fig. 12 is a plan view of one of the tablesections.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a detail section taken through line iiid of Fig. 12 in thedirection-of the arrows.

Fig. 15 isapartial sectional elevation taken substantially through linei5 -i5 of Fig. 13.-

Figs. 16 and 17 are detail views of the sliding 15 cam bar.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the return chainconveyor.

Fig. 19 is-a section through line lit-i9 of Fig.

' 18 in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 20 is an end elevation illustratin a modiiied form .of elevatormechanism for the work holder slides.

Fig. 21 is a side elevation of theconstruction shown in Fig. 20.

. A p v 25 Fig. 22 is a plan view of the automatic control means for theseveral mechanisms of the apparatus. i I

Fig; 23 is a vertical sectionthrough line 23- -2li of Fig. 22 (in thedirection of the arrows.

' Fig. 24 is a side elevation. .1 Before explaining in detail thepresent invention it is to be understood that the invention 1 is notlimited in its application to the'details of construction andarrangement of parts illustrated as in the accompanying drawings, sincethe invention is capable of other embodiments and of be ing practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that thephraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose 4 ofdescription and not of'limitation, and it is not intended to limit theinvention claimed herein beyond, the requirements of the prior art.

The apparatus is designed for. use in rectory production where a seriesor succession of ma- 45 chining operations are performed on similarmetal parts or pieces. tion a series of machining operations may be per:formed on a piece of work such as an automobile cylinder block. andwhere the same operations so are carried out on each one of manythousand identical pieces, the present invention provides a.

- method and means by which this can-.be accomplished automatically withthe .elimination of time and labor heretofore necessary in handling 5'5view of the construction 5 For example, in mass produc parts from oneoperation to another. The apparatus however, is susceptible of wideflexibility and may be adapted readily to various machining operationsin line production. The invention is particmarlyapplicable in connectionwith machines known as the unit type automatic cycle machines forperforming certain typical machining operations,.such as drilling,reaming, tapping, threading, boring, counterboring, counter-sinking,facing, milling, broaching, spinning, knurling, swaging, keywaycutting,- etc. A 4

In the 'drawings there is shown an apparatus representative of one wayin which the invention may be carried out. Standard types of metalworking machines of the unit type are employed, four such machines beingillustrated by way of example, although-a greater or less number willLbe used depending upon the work to be done. A duplexmilling machine isshown at A, a multiple drilling machine at B, a vertical drilling ortapping machine at C, andi a duplex drilling or tapping machine at D.these machines being arranged in line fora sequence of operations on 25.each work piece.

The work is conveyedwith relation to the machines from -one operatingstation to another by means of work holders mounted on slides adapted totravel in a horizontal guideway formed on the 30 top of a sectionaltable. Each section E of the table may be similar and any number may bebolted together end to end to provide a continuous conveyor way past themachines.

Referring particularly to Figs. 5- to '7 inclusive 35 and 12 to 14inclusive, each table section E compfises in the present instance a base25 adapted to be bolted to the floor at 25a. Mounted. on the base ateach longitudinal side of the section are upright side frames 26 and 26bterminating at '4o'their upperends in inwardly over-hanging topsupporting portions 2.1. The frame members 26 and 26?) are bolted to thebase at 28c. Bolted at 28a to the upper fiat surtacesof the portions 21is a table top 28. This table proper is formed cen- 45.tral1y andlongitudinally thereof with guideway portions 29. Also carried therebyis a v-shaped guide member 30 and a flat guide strip 3|, these partstogether with the ways 28 providing guide means for a series of slidesF. As hereinafter de- 50 scribed, each slide F of the series carries awork holder which in turn supports the workin position for operation bythe machine tools. Each slide F is formed with projecting guide portions32 extending into the ways 29 andalso has on its f55 under side aV-shaped groove into which the wedge member 30 fits and alines theslide. The slides Fare thus held fi rmly in position within the alinedguideways of the table sections and are-capable of slidinglongitudinally through the 60 guicleways from one machine to the next.

In the present instance the construction is lpreferably such'that theslides! are arranged in pairs in abutting relation.- each pair of slideshaving a total length corresponding to the length 6d of each tablesection, and mechanism is provided. in the present instance for shiftingall of the Y slides sfinultaneously in pairs. This mec anism may bearranged to shift the slides singly where machine operations require-adiflerentdwell of 70 work holders at diflerent stations. Such mechanismmay be operated hydraulically, electrically,

" pneumatically, or through other suitable automatic mechanical means.In the'p'resen't instance this is accomplished by. means of rams 76operated from hydraulic cylinders.

Referring particularly to Figs. 8, 9, 14 and 15, each table member 231sprovided witha central recess 28b within which is mounted an hydrauliccylinder 33 provided with a ram or piston rod 34 carrying at its forwardend an abutment or head 35 having a flat base 356 adapted toslidefreely, during reciprocationof the ram 34, on the list bottom 280of the recess 28b. Pivoted at 31 within a recess in the upper end of themember 35 is a dog or latch 36 which is weighted at 38 so as normally tohold the dog in the position shown in Figs. 9 and so as to engage atransverse abutment bar 39 bolted to the under side of each slide F. Thedog 38 is provided with a cam surface 36a so that when the "ram isretracted the dog can pass the abutment bar of-the slide into positionbehind it. In the present instance the cylinders 33 of the several tablesec- 'tions are arranged in staggered relation, one

cylinder and ram being mounted within each table section 28, and all ofthe cylinders operated in timed relation by control mechanismhereinafter described.

Automatic means is also provided for locating and clamping each workholder slide F in exact position opposite each machine for the machiningoperation on. the work piece carried by the slide.

sive, there is mounted in a vertical recess in the top of .each tablesection 28 a spring pressed locating pin 40 which is adapted to matewith a recess in the under side of the slide F. This loeating pinorplunger is pivoted at its lower end to one end of a pivoted lever 4|mounted within a recess 42a in a block 42 bolted to the under side ofthe table top 28. This block has a central opening through which extendsa bar 43 held inposition by a bottom retaining plate 44. The centralpart of this bar at its underside is provided with rack teeth and at itsupper face with a cam recess 45 cooperating with the free end of thelever 4|. 7 45 the bar 43 ,is alsomachined at its upper face to provideangular cam slots 46 within whichextend pins and rollers 41, secured toa laterally At the right and left of the recessreceding Referringparticularlytn Figs. 12 to 1'1 inclushiftable plate 48. Yieldablyattached to opposite sides of this plate by springs (not shown) areapair of-wedge blocks 43 and ill which extend I through openings in thelower ends of pull rods .5l to the upper ends of which are securedclamps 52. The teeth of the cam bar=43 mesh with a pinion 53 cut intothe end of a.- shaft 54 which at its outer end is provided with a pinion55 meshing with teeth out. in a vertical piston rod operated from anhydraulic cylinder 51. 'A single the length of-the tablesections'l Thelength ofthe stroke of the ram 34 of each cylinder 33 is such as tomoveeach slide one half the length of a table section and a distancecorresponding closely to the required travel necessary to position anyone of the slides at a given machine operation. When a slide reaches aposition corresponding to the end of the stroke of the ram 34 thecylinder 51 will be automatically operated shifting the cam bar '43,causing the lever end 4| to drop into the recess 48 whereby the locatingpin 48 will be pressed upwardly and will lodge in the locating hole inthe slide F thus locating the slide in proper position. Thereupon thewedge cession out of the guideway onto a table 58 having an alinedguideway into which the guide portions 82 of the slide will fit. Thetable 58 is carried by an upright back plate provided with guideways 58cooperating with mating guides I58 carried by a column 8|, the base82'of which is bolted to the baseof the apparatus. The table 58 is thuscarriediby a vertically movable slide attached to a verticallyreciprocating ram 64 operated from an hydraulic cylinder 88.

After 'the slide has been propelled onto the table 58 the latter islowered by the ram to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4 and atthis point the slide with its work holder is. propelled onto rollerways85 (see Figs. 4 and 15). This latter operation is carried out by meansof an hydraulic cylinder 88 carrying a horizontally re-' ciprocating ram81. The cylinders 63 and 88are cohtrolledfrom an hydraulic pump(it-operated byan electric motor,,88. This ram mechanism be operatedfrom an electric motor-85.

f 86, 91,, 98 and 89.

. In the preferred form a i v 3 the base of which is bolted to the baseof chine. Attached to the table is aram 88 operated from an hydrauliccylinder 88. It will be .understood that each slide F will be elevated-on the-table 84 into the horizontal plane of the horizontal guideway inthe table sections E and will be propelled from the platen or table 84onto the table section E at the entrance of the -'ma-.

chineby'mea'ns of an hydraulic cylinder al car- 'rying a reciprocatingram 92. The cylinders 9| and 88 are supplied through an hydraulic pumpThe machines A, B, C and D, are operated in the conventional manner bymeans of electric motors the slide sections and their'work holders arepreferably returned from .the exit end of the apparatus .to the entranceend through a tunnel within the framework of the table sections. Ifdesired these sections may be returned by an overhead conveyor above thetable sections and machines, in the manner 1- the malustrated, forexample, in Figs. 20 and 21. It is preferred that the return conveyoroperate either above or through a tunnel below the-'table sec- 88 and 81is automatically operated and timed by Frame members iii! are bolted tothe side frames the control mechanism hereinafter described. 1 Therollerways 85 comprise spaced longitudinally aligned rolls carried byangle brackets i8- standard construction, traveling over sprockets willbe provided at each end offthe apparatus,

attached to the. hub of the sprocket is aworm I or chain series ofoperations.

gear 18 operated from-a worm. shaft 18 (Figs. 1, i 3, 18 and 19). Theshaft IS-at its inner end carries a sprocket which is operated by a belt8lfrom the driveshaft 82' of an electric motor '83 It will in successionfrom the exit end of the table guide-,

way to the entrance end thereof for a succeeding The slides aretransferred from the level of the'conveyor ro'llerways 85 to the levelof the table giiideway at the entrance end H' (Figs. 1 and 3) by meansof elevator mechanism similar to that previously described. Each I,slidewill be pushed by a dog 12 of the conveyor chain onto a table 84.

g This table has an upright back plate carrying guideways 85 cooperatingwith verticalguldes 86 carried by a column 81 i I I l i be seen that theslides F are returned tions since this method has the advantage ofconserving floor space in the plant'and facilitatingaccess to themachines.

Referring to Figs. 20 and elevator mechanism is provided fortransferring the slides and work holders from the level of the table 28to a higher level. This elevator mechanism comprises a transfer tableiili, similar to the tables 88 and M. having an upright back plate Hi2provided with guides W8 .coopefating with guides 1188 carried by acolumn Hi5 bolted to the base W8.

88 and 2Bband to the upper ends of these frame members are bolted spacedhorizontal supporting bars i88forming an upper frame I88 carrying 'tothe dogs i2 which engage the ends of the slides.

Itwillbe understood from this construction that the elevatormechanism-shown in Figs. 20 and 21 andat the. exit end-the slideswill,be transferred from the level of the guideway to the upper level ofthe gravity rolls .ilfl; and at the entrance end the slides F will betransferred from the upper level to the lower level of the guideway.

The motor 88 for driving the return chain conveyor is controlled by asuitable switch 88a (Fig. 3) whichhas an operating part projecting intothe path of the table 84 so that when the latter'is loweredit willoperate the switch and thereby the motor 83 to start the conveyor. Atthe opposite end of the apparatusat the entrance of the tunnel there isalso a' switch (not shown) which isactuated by a slide when propelledonto the conveypr rollsso as to start the'motor 88. Another switch (notshown) is preferablylocated within the tunnel adjacent the first machineA which is operated by a slide so as to stop the motor 88.

A control'lever 9: may be provided (see Figs. 3

and 30) for starting and stopping the hydraulic punfp 84, and anotherlever "for starting and stopping the ram 89. These levers may be pro--vided for emergencylpurposes, and-similar hand control'levers may alsobeprovided at the exit end oftheapparatus for the samev purpose.

throughout one complete cycle of operation, the I machine having areturn limit switch operated when the spindle or tools back away fromthe i work to stop the-machine. The machines may be located on the lineby accurately positioning'the drill or other tools in proper relation tothe work holder locating'pin of the table section. The machine usuallyhas a bushing plate or guide memher for the drills so as to exactlycenter them relative to the work, such as the member I I3 carried by theframe of the machine C, Fig. 7, or the member H6 attached to the tablesection as shown in Fig. 5.

It will be understood thateach slide has attached thereto a removablework holder which will be of a kind adapted for the particuiar work. Inthe present case, by way of example, the work holders J (Fig. 4)aredesignedfor holding automobile cylinder blocks K (Figs. 5-7inclusive).

In Figs. 1, and 22 -24..inclusive, I have illustrated a unit L forautomatically controlling the various operating mechanisms of theapparatus in timed relation. This unit comprises a base I20 and asuitable housing (not shown) to enclose the mechanism of the unit. A camshaft I2I is carried in suitable hearings in upright frame members I22,this shaft being driven through gearing of a'reduction unit. I23 fromthe drive shaft I24 of an electric motor I25. This motor is started orst pped by means of two push button switches forming part of a controlbox unit I25a. The cam shaft I2I carries a series of cams of requirednumber for automatically operating any or all of the mechanisms. In thepresent instance the shaft carries six cams, I 23 I2'I, I23, I29, I30and I3I. Each cam cooperates with a camroller I32 carried by an uprightswinging lever I33 piv oted at its lower' end' at I34 and at its up rend pivoted to a link I35 which in turnisconnected to a rod I33 foroperating a valve or switch, as i the case may be, carried by a casingI31. The cams I26--I3310perate, through -the mechanism described, aseries of valves M, NfO, P and Q mounted on a table I33 bolted oh thesupports I22. At R is shown an electric switch suitably connected to thecontrol boxes of the motors 93,

91, 93 and 99 for starting these motors, this switch being actuatedthrough the medium of the cam I and intermediate parts. Each of thevalves M-Q is'conneTcted in any well known manner to theparticular-mechanism which each valve controls for the-purposeofstarting and stopping such mechanism. The valve M operates the hydrauliccylinder -andrarn33, 39 The valve N operates the hydraulic cylinders 31for controlling thelocating pins or plungers 43' and the clampingmembers 32 for the slides. The valve 0,0perates all "of the hydrauliccylinders andrams 33, 34 and; the cylinder and ram 9i, 92,

for propelling the slides at the :upper conveyor level The valve Poperates or controls the'h y draulic cylinder and ram 33, 84 at the exitend of the apparatus. The'valve'Q controls the hy draulic cylinder-andram 33; 31, at the exit end of the apparatus to propelthe slidessuccessively onto the conveyor rolls.

The f cams I23-I3I .are designed and -con-' Istructedwiiiifelatipnto'one another 'soas to op-'--.

erate the v es M -Q and electric switch It in proper timed relatibn. Oneof the cams I23 is illustrated, for example, in Fig. 2a. rms camai'a'aaeo The cam also has an operating surface I23b which incooperation with the roller I32 permits a return spring I33 to reversethe valve and I shift the rain in a rearward direction. The cam also hasa cam surface I231: which in cooperation with the roller I32 causes adwell and holds the ram inactive during a predetermined time.

In the present apparatus, herein shown for the purpose of illustratingone embodiment of the invention, the control mechanism for actuating thevarious parts of the apparatus as well as the line of metal workingmachines inproper timed relation preferably operates as follows.Assuming that the table 34 is in its upper position as shown in Figs. 3and 3A on a level with the ways I 29 in table section E, Figs. 5 to 7inclusive, and

that table 34 carries a workholding slide memher F/that has suitablymounted thereon a metallic work piece; also assuming that each of thetable supports E, Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, are carrying two of the workslides F that likewise have metallic work pieces suitably mountedthereon,

it will-.be seen that there will be a continuous line of work holderslide s- F in succession from entrance end H to exit end (3- of the mainguideway 29 and also a work holder slideon table 34.

At this time it is assumed that table 53 is empty and in' its upperposition as shown in Figs. 2

and 4 on a-level with guideway 29. Cam I21 thereupon operates to openvalve N, whereby the hydraulic cylinder 31 and rack ram 33,

, through connecting mechanisms, withdraw the locating pins 43 andrelease the clamping members 52- from the slides. Immediately followingthis in predetermined timed relation the cam I23 operates to open valve0, whereby the hydraulic cylinders and rams 33, 34 function to shift theslides in the main guideway simultaneously from one station to another,and the hydraulic cylinder and ram 9|, 92 function to shift a work slidefrom the idle orloading station, represented by table 34, onto the mainguideway 29, it being understood-that one of the rams 34 shifts aworkslide from the main guideway 29 to the idle or" unloading stationrepresented by table 53. At this time cam I23 has suitably revolved toreverse valve 0, thereby retracting ram"92 into cylinder 9i and rams 34into their respective cylinders 33. At the com pletion of thisretraction of the rams cam -I23 has suitably revolved to placevalve O ina dwell position.

- Simultaneously with the reversal of valve b by cam I23; cam I'2Ireverses valve N which in turn reverses the action of cylinder 3,1 andrack 53 whereby the locating .pins are released for movement into theiroperative positions in slides F and clamping members 32 are drawn intoeration cycle on the work. carried bythe work slides located oppositethe machines. -At the completion of the work cycle, cam "I hasopenedswitch R and machines A, B, C, D, have returned to startingposition and remain or dwell timed relation, by cam '13! and switch R. r

During the time of the foregoing machine operation cycle cam' I23 hasactuated valve M causin this position until again actuated,,in propering hydraulic cylinder and ram 88, 89 to lower empty table 84 to thelevel of the returnconveyor rollerways 85. The table 84 during itsdownward travel actuates the swit h 83a which starts motor 83 andconveyor chain |l, causing the latter to shift a work slide onto theempty table 84 at this elevation until'the proper time to repeat itscycle, and during this dwell the work slide in the.line. At this timecam I29 operates valve;

is loaded with another metallic work piece.

During the aforesaid machine operation cycle,

table 58 at the exit end of the line is also completing its cycle.Immediately after receiving a work slide F which was previously shiftedfrom the exit end ofvguideway 2.9 onto table 58 by hydraulic cylinder"and ram 3-3, 34, this slide .is relieved of its metallic work piecewhich has proceeded through the various machine operations Pwherebyhydraulic cylinder and ram '53, 84 lower table 58 with its workslide to-the level of the return conveyor as shown in dotted lines inFig. 4. Cam, I38 thereupon operates valve Q which causes hydrauliccylinder and ramBB, 61 to push or shift work slide F onto the returnrollei ways B5. Cam I30 then reverses valve Q which retractsram 61 intocylinder 66. At this time cam I29 reverses valve P which. causeshydraulic cylinder and ram 63, 84 to elevate empty table 58 to the levelof guideway 29 at the exit end of the main guideway. Table 58 dwells orremains at this elevation until it has again received a work slide F andthen repeats its operating cycle in proper predetermined timed relation.Work slide F sholftly after being shifted from table 58 onto'rollerguideways 65 is picked up by endless chain"l I through the medium oi oneof the dogs of and just 12 and is conveyed to thelopposite end ofconveyor where slide F, at a suitable point, engages and actuates, anelectric switch (not shown) which .causes motor 83 and conveyorchain Hto stop just before slide Freaches the exit endure the return conveyor.Slide-Fremains at the end withinthe' tunnel ,of the frame until table 84during its descent again actuates switch 1. appara us for handlingmetallic work piecesfor successive machiningoperation's, comprisingaseries of metal working machinesf arjrangedin line, a supporting tablehaving a top horizontal guideway extending continuously from the firstmachine to .the last-in said line, said table comprising independentlyremovable sections each having separate floor supporting means, a

series of work holding members having portions flttingsaid'guid eway forpredetermined travel on said table, power operated means for shiftingsaid members to station-them in succession opposite said machines, a'conveyor for returning said: meinbersi'rom the exit end of the guidewayto the entrance end, and'mechanism for clamping said movable'sectionsiwork holdingmembersin succession to said rea 1m apparatusgfor handlingmetallic work wherein'ja line of machines arearranged to operpieces forsuccessive machining operations prising a frame having an open endedhorizontal guideway'extendifig continuously past each mat 5 chine, aseries of separate work holders guided in said guideway, longitudinallyreciprocable members-engageable successively with certain of the workholders beneath the same for shifting the work holders in a line throughthe guideway, and 5 means for locating each work holder opposite amachine for an operation.

3. An apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successiveoperations by a series of metal workingmachines arranged in line,comprising two horizontal conveyors, one lying in a vertical plane abovethe other; two vertical conveyors, one located at the end of eachhorizontal conveyor; one of said horizontal conveyors comprising asupporting table provided with a horizontal guideway and a series ofwork holding slides adaptedto traveli n the guideway; each verticalconveyor comprising an elevator between the ends of the horizontalconveyorsfor transferring each slide from one horizontal conveyor to theother without inverting the slide; and power operated means foroperating allpf said conveyors in timed relation.

4. In an apparatus for handling metallic work which a series ofmetalworking machines are arranged in line, the combination of a seriesof work holders, four independently operated conveyors for moving saidwork hol ers successively '-pieces for successive machining operationsin in a continuous cycle,'each con eyor having a path of movement atright angles to thenext admechanism for operating each conveyor.

5. Work holding and conveying apparatus for a series'of machines adaptedfor machining operations on metal parts, comprising a series of workholders, means for-moving said work holders 40 in succession from eachmachine to the next, a continuous guideway for guid-ing the work holdersin a predetermined path with respect'to said machines, power actuateddevices. for clamping the work holders at opposite sidesof the guide- Iway opposite the machines for simultaneousm'achining operations and forvunclan'iping-the work holders after the completion of said operations,a separate conveyor for returning the work holders from the lastoperation to the flrstloperation 5o and extending on a diiierentlevelfrom said guideway, means for transferring the work holders fromthe lvel of theguideway to the level 61' said conveyor without changingthe angular position of said work holders, and means for trans ferringthe work holders 'fromthe level of said conveyor-to the level F of saidguideway adjacent the first operation;

6. The combination of a line of machines, a

reciprocating devices beneath the slidesfor in 'termittently shiftingsaid slides in succession in a predetermined path past said machines,'mchanisni for locating and releasably clamping the slides successivelyat operating stations opposite 5 i the machines, mechanism foroperating-said ma:

thereof inrecurrent cycles.

series of work holder-slides, mechanism including 3 7.11: an apparatusfor'handli'ng metallic work ,piecestfor successive machining-operations,the

combination of a plurality of metal working machine unitsarranged inline, meansrorming a" continuous main guideway from the first machine"to the last machine-a series of work holder slides 7 6' I a a adapted totravel in the guideway. means for eating and clamping a' plurality ofslides in' fixed positions at operating stations opposite the machines,a support forming a loading station in advance of'the first machine anda support forming an unloading station beyond the last machine,

said supports having guideways extending in con-' tin'uation of saidmain guideway, it return conveyor, and reciprocating devices forshifting the slides from said supports to the return conveyor v anibviceversa.

8." In an apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successivemachiningoperations, the combination of a plurality of metal workingmachines arranged in line, means forming a continuous main guideway fromthe first machine to the'last machine, a series'of work holder slidesadapted to travel in the guideway, means for loeating and relcasably.clamping a plurality of said slides .in fixed positions at operatingstations opposite the machines,a supp r in advance of the first machineand a support beyond the last machine, said supports having guidewaysadapted to extend in continuation of said main guideway to form idlestations for said slides and being shiftable from said stations to thereturn conveyor and vice versa, power driven mechanism carried by saidguideway means for shifting said slides,

(l the power driven means carried by said guideway means for operatingsaid locating and clam means, and means for starting said machines.

9. In an apparatus for handling work pieces for successive operations ata series of stations opposite aseries of machines arranged insuccession,

,the combination of means forming a continuous suideway from the firstmachine to the last 'machine, a series of work holder slides adapted totravel in theguideway, means for locking-a plurality of slides'infixed'positions in the guideway at operating stations opposite saidmachines, a support located in advance of the first machine and asupport'located beyond the last machine. each of said supports beingreleasably secured in nxed position to said guideway means and adaptedto form, a continuation of said auideway to receive a'slide and formingidle stations, 'and mechanism beneath the guideway for intermittentlyshiting the slides in the guideway.

cession. the combination'of means forming a continuous guideway from thefirst-machine to the last machine, a series of work holder slidesadapted to travel in the guideway, means for ,lo'ckingaplurality ofslides in fixedpositions in ,1 the.- guideway at operating stationsopposite said machines, a support lofcatedin advance pf the firstmachine and asupport located beyond the last each of said supports beingremovably secured in fixed position to the guideway means' and adaptedto'form a continuation of said guldeway to receive a slide and formingidle stations, -the,slides in the guideway, and separate mechanismfshiftingaslidefromthefirstnamedm the suideinv d fury shitting a slidesupport.

iromtheguidewayontothelastnamed 11;"1heoomhinatiohofaseri'esoiworkholderslides designeif'to carry work adapted to beopes-a'ted uponsuccessivelrby alineofmaa single level main guidewayextending pastsa'ldmachines, a single levelretum'guidewane plurality oireciprocating'devieebeneath apparatus for handling work pieces for successive operations ata series of stations; opposite aseries of machines arranged in sunforintermittently shifting slides in siiccession on .the suldeway,aflstraight line operating means for transferring the slides insuccession from the exit end of the main guideway to one end of'thereturn-guideway, and

straight line'operating means ior transferring the slidesin successionfrom the opposite end of the return guideway to the. starting end of themainv guideway.

12. The combination, with saline of'machines,

of a series of work holders, mechanism for nitermittentlyshitting saidwork holders in a predetermined path past said machines and forintermittently clamping said workvholders in position at fixed operatingstations opposite the machines during'operation of the machines on 15the work, mechanism for transferring said work holders in successionfrom the last machine to the first machine, mechanism forcontroiling theoperation of said machines, and power driven means for controlling allof said mechanisms'to flect the operation thereof in recurrent cyclesand to coordinate the operations thereof in timed relation.

13. In an apparatus of the class described, the

combination with a plurality of automatic machines having separateelectric power units, of

a series 'of work holders; means for supporting said work holders formovement in a predetermined path past said machines, mechanism for tionsopposite the machines during predetermined periods of time, and meansfor automaticaliy starting and. stopping said power units whereby themachines will complete their cycles 5 i of operation on/ the time. I

'14. An apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successivemachining operations whereworkduring said periods of 9 118intermittently shifting said work holders and -for maintaining the sameatfixed. operating stain a line-oi. machines is arranged to operate one40 after the other on each work piece, comprising a frame having an openended horizontal guideway extending continuously' past each machine,said frame comprising a succession of tablesections releasably securedtogether and provided with spaced vertical side supports forming ahorizontal tunnel extending throughthe frame beneath the guideway, aseries of' separate work, holders guided in said guideway, powermeans-for shifting'th'e work holders in a line through the guide- 5wayfmeans for locating and clamping each work holder opposite each"machine for operation, a return conveyor extending horizonta ly throughsaid tunnel; means for independently transferring way to the conveyor,and means for independ- 'ently ,transferring each work holder from theconveyor to the entrance end of the guideway.

15. In an apparatus for handling metallic each work-holder from the exitend'of'the guidcwork pieces for successive machining operations,

.the combination of means forming a continuous horisontaiguideway, aplurality of work-holding slides slidable in succession in saidguideway, a plurality of metal working z'machines mounted n line alongsaid guideway, said machines having and including means for posite sidesof at each operating tools shittable transversely of the guideway saidslides through station, and power driven means for actuating each ofsaid mechanisms.

r 16. In an apparatus for handling metallic-work pieces for successivemachining operations, thereleasable mechanism for clamping each slide atopposite sides of said guideway at each operating station, and powerdriven means for actuatand releasably secured together ing each of saidmechanisms.

17. In an apparatus of the classdescribed, in combination, a series oftable sections having horizontal top portions in .line to form acontinuous straight line slideway,

- tions including upright supports, a series of workholding slide'shaving means fitting into said slideway, a plurality of automatic cyclemetal working machine units arranged in line and mounted to said tablesections for operating on the work on said slides from the top andopposite lateral sides thereof, mechanism for intermitte'ntly shiftingsaid slides through the slideway,

sides of the slideway at successive fixed stations opposite themachines.

18. In an apparatus for handling metallic work pieces-for successivemachining operations, the combination of means forming a continuoushorizontal slideway, said means comprising a series of table sectionsreleasably 'secured together'end to end, a plurality of work slidesslidable in succession through said slideway. a plurality of metalworking machines mounted in line along said slidewayand releasablymounted to different table sections, said machines having toolsshiftable transversely of the slideway into and out of position toperform operations on work pieces carried by said'slides,

a plurality of mechanisms cooperating siiccessively with diflere'ntslides for intermittently shifting said slides in. said slide way, andmeans p on ng the slides at fixed operating ;sta'- oi posite themachines.

i 19. In an apparatus for handling metallic work 'piecesior successivemachining operations, the combination ofmeans jorming a continuousstraight line horizontal slideway, said means comprising a series oftable sections releasably sea plurality of workr ,holding slidesslidable in succession .through said cured together end to end,

slideway. a plurality 0t metal working machines mounted in line alongsaid slideway and releasably mounted to different tablejsectionasaid ma-.chines having tools shlftable transversely o! the slideway into and outerations simultaneously-one plurality oi sides of way andincluding'means of position torpertorm opwork pieces carried by saidslides, mechanism for intermittently shifting said ,slidesin saidslidei'or positioning the slides at fixed operation stations oppositethe ma.-

.chin' s.

20. In an "apparatus for handling metallic work pieces for successivemachining operations, I the'combinatlon of means provided with guidewayssaid table secmechanism for clamping the slides at opposite holding eachtable section and slidable in said ,a plurality .of

the guideway,

torminga continuous straight line horizontal slideway, said meanscomprising a series of table sections releasably secured together end toend, a plurality of work. holding slides/slidable in succession throughsaid slideway, a plurality of metal working machines mounted in linealong said slideway and, mounted todifferent table sections, saidmachines having tools shlftable transversely of the slideway into andout of position to perform operations on work pieces carried by saidslides, mechanism for intermittently shifting said slides in saidslideway and including means for positioning the slides at fixedoperating stations opposite the machines, each of said machinesincluding power mechfor clamping said slides to the table sections, andmeans for automatically operating said clamping means-and for startingsaid machines at prede-' termined times.

21. In an apparatus for'handling work pieces for successive machineoperations, the combination of a plurality of metal working machines,each machine comprising a tool or tools and sepanism for automaticallyshifting its tool into and 15 out of operation with respect to the work,means arate mechanism including an electric power 25 unit for shiftingsaid tools toward and from the work, means forming a continuous mainguideway from the first machine to the last machine, said machines beingarranged at a plurality of different sides of said guideway to cause thetools 30 thereof to operate on different sides of the work pieces, aseries of workholder slides adapted to travel in succession through theguideway, mechanism for intermittently shifting said slides tionsopposite said machines, mechanism for starting said'electric motors, andpower driven means timed to control said mechanisms for operation atdifferent times.

through the-guideway into fixed operating sta- 35 22. In an-apparatusfor handling metallic work 40 pieces for successive machiningoperations, the combination of a series of table sections adapted to bepositioned end to end and having cooperating means forming a continuoushorizontal guideway, a pluralityof workholder slides carried by 45guideway, metal working machines secured to certain of said tablesections at opposite sides oi said machines having tools shittabletransverselyof the guideway into and out of position to performoperations on opposite sides of work pieces carriedby said workh'olderslides,

mechanism for intermittently shifting said slides in said guideway toposition the same at operat ing stations opposite the machines,mechanism for clamping, opposite sides of each slldetothe table at eachoperating station, and power means for actuating said "clampingmechanism and for re-, leasing the same at predetermined intervals ottime.

23. In an apparatus of the class described 6 wherein a plurality ofmetal working machinesare arranged in line for successive operation on.work pieces, a-table comprising a series of table sections providedwith guideways positioned in alinement to 'iorm a continuous straightline slideway, a series of work holding slides fitting said slideway forsuccessive travel therethrough, some or all of said table sections beingreleasably secured together in line and removable'independ- 70 ently ofone another and also having successive [stations for supporting at onetime a plurality of slides, means carried by said table beneath theslides for intermittently. shifting said slides throughthe' slideway?and nieans for intermit- 76 opposite. said machines.

8 g I tently positioning and also fixing successive slides 24. In anapparatus of the class described, the combination or a plurality ofmetal working machine units, a table comprising a series oiinterchangeable table sections provided with guide- I ways positioned inalinement to form a continuous straight line s'lideway, a series ofwork-hold; ing slides fitting said slideway for successive traveltherethrough.\means i'or intermittently shifting said slides through'the slideway mt? fixed operating stations, and means forinterchangeably mounting said inachine units to diflerent tablesections'tor operation at a plurality-oi sides or. said slideway.

25. In an apparatus for handling metallic work,

of work pieces carried by said work holder slides,

' ing way, a series of work sliders along said mechanism forintermittently shitting said slides in said guideway to position thesame at operatstations opposite the machines, and mechanism for.clamping opposite sides of each slide to the table at each operationstation.

'26. In an apparatus or wherein a plurality of met rkingmachines .arearranged in line for successive operation on ,work pieces, a tablecomprising aseries oi table sections. provided with guldeways positionedin alinement to form a continuous straight line slideholding slidesfitting said slideway for successive travel thercthrough, some or all ofsaid table sections being releasably 'se-' cured together in line andremovable independ-' ently or one another and also having successivestations for supporting at one time a plurality of and means carried bysaid table; beneathv the'slides i'or intermittently shifting said slidesthrough the slideway.

27. In an apparatus for handling metallic work pieces ior successivemachiningoperations, the

combination oi! means forming a continuous hori-' zontal guideway,slidable in succession in said guideway, a pluralityoi metal workingmachines mounted in line guideway, said machines having toolsshii'table' transversely oi the guideway into'and out oi position toperform operations on a plurality ohsides 01 work pieces carried-:bysaid slides,

through saidguide'way and including means for at fixed P- d forintermittentlyand 'samein said path relative to said machines and thclass escribed. al is q I beig "cause the tools thereof to opera aplurality of work holding-slides determined periods of time 'niaticallyechanismincluding a succession oireciprocating' members i'orintermittently propellingsaid slides rlods ot time.

c ooses erating stations opposite the machines, and power driven meansfor actuating each of said mech- 28. In an apparatus of the classdescribed, the

' combination with a plurality of automatic machines, each machinecomprising a tool or tools and separate mechanism including an electricpower unit-for shitting said tool or tools toward and from the work,work carrying means for supporting a series of work pieces inpredetermined spaced relationjand operable to shift said work pieces insuccession ina straight line path relatively-to said machines, saidmachines being ar-. ranged whereby the tools thereof will operate on aplurality oi sides of anism cooperable with said'work carryingmeans forintermittently and, said work pieces irom-one series of operating stav.tions to another series of operating stations opposite said machines,means ior maintaining said work pieces at said stations duringpredetermined the work pieces, mechsimultaneously shitting periods oftime independently of saidmechanism and means for starting and stoppingsaid power units whereby said tools will complete their cycles ofoperation on 29. In an apparatus of the class described, the combinationwith a plurality of automatic machines te electric power units, of asupported for travel in a including means ior positioning said workholders at fixed operating stations opposite the may chines duringpredetermined periods of time, and

means for automatically s and stopping said power units whereby themachines will complete their cycles oi'operation on the, work duringsaid periods of time. v ,30. In an apparatus for handling work piecesfor successive machine operations, the combination -01 a plurality ofmetal working machines, I

each machine comprising a tool or tools andsep- 4 arate mechanismincluding an electric power unit .ior shitting said tools toward andfrom the work, a series oi work carrying members supported for travel ina predetermined straight-line path past' said machines, said machinesarranged to on diflerent sides; of the work pieces, mechanism cooperablewith said work'carrying members for intermittently and simultaneouslyshifting the same into for maintaining them at said stations duringpreand means for auto-- -starting and stopping said powerunlts wherebythe machines will complete their cycles of operationon the work piecesduring said peiixed operatingstations opposite the'machines and

